What can I do with an MBA Degree?

A Masters in Business Administration (MBA) is believed to be one of the most prestigious and respectable degrees in the world. Students opt for such an advanced business degree to earn higher salaries, a management position and marketability in a market that is constantly evolving. But is that all?

A lot of students wonder “What can I do with an MBA degree” because bigger paychecks are not all that they are going to fondly remember 10 to 20 years after completing the management course.

Here’s a list of 10 things you can do with an MBA and make the most out of it:

Reflection time: Sitting in a classroom for two years sacrificing the salary you otherwise could have earned may seem crazy. Yet, the chance you get to reflect on some of the big business issues is amazing. Those who can’t afford the tuition should definitely appreciate this time and benefit the most from this reflection and brainstorming time.

Some lifelong friends who might frame great careers in life: MBA graduates talk about this, years down the line. Going through this phase of life together, individuals tend to make friends. These friends might end up becoming successful in their fields, acting as sounding boards for your future. Friends of friends can become potential contacts and assist you in your tasks when required. Meet friends in your class and maintain friendships with them.

Enhance your understanding of the world: An MBA degree gives you the chance to learn about business and the world. Most students entering a B-school feel that they are the best. That is true to an extent since you have all the knowledge about your domain but now it is time to understand the ‘real’ and ‘business’ world.

Learn the skills of team work: To succeed in a business organization, it is important for an individual to learn team work. And through team projects at school, you learn how to work with a bunch of students who all want to be leaders. You learn how to take the best-of-the-best in the same direction.

Gain information about the global economy and not remain restricted to your own little world: There are a number of international students at B-schools these days. Interaction with the international student body may be fruitful because you never know what they have on their mind. They might be dying to give you intense competition. Understand that there is a big world out there and you need to know how profits can be made to sustain in the business world.

Interaction with challenging professors: Professors at B-schools really force students to think out of the box. If you create and nurture mentor relationships with some of these professors, you could enhance your scope of thought.

Listening to accomplished executives: B-schools invite guest speakers who come and share their experiences. There is a lot that can be learnt from these real life experiences because such tricks and guidelines are not available in books. Remember to ask questions because you could also face the same situation and you’d know how to get out of it if you asked.

Identify your focus: A Masters in Business Administration allows you to understand where your focus lies. You find out whether you want to go into operations, finance or marketing. The sooner you identify your field of interest, the easier it will be to shape a successful career.

People management: Leadership or motivation classes are also a part of the curriculum. These help you learn the skills of management and how you can run a team to work under you. Post the course, it will be important for you to manage people around you. Therefore, don’t undervalue these classes. Listen to what is being taught carefully and use them in future.

Build public speaking confidence: A lot of professionals are efficient at their work but when it comes to giving a speech or presenting themselves, they cannot string the sentences together. Chances of this happening with an MBA graduate are less. There are many opportunities in B-schools where this skill can be enhanced, make the most of it. Even if you are scared of talking in public, start with your own classroom. Take responsibilities and come up front to present your ideas.

Plenty of avenues open up once you have an MBA degree. If you go in for any career guidance session, you will realize that the number of career paths change once you have the most prestigious business degree in your hand. So good luck with your courses and bank on the incredible opportunity you have lying in front of you.